For remodelers...

Most remodelers know that installing pocket door hardware can easily result in a callback ... and not an easy callback. I have been cautioning customers about the pitfalls of pocket doors for years because even the better ones can experience “issues” over time. Häfele makes a rock solid piece that I think is terrific. I know it’s not as sexy as some other items I could rave about, but I think this is one of those unsung heroes that you can only take for granted because it will result in never going back to visit.

For Homeowners...

You Wouldn't Pick Your Dentist Simply Because He Charged The Least, Would You?

I also have a “gift of knowledge” that I would like to give to every homeowner who is trying to decide how to hire a remodeler:

Hiring a contractor is like many other decisions in life; as with finding a dentist or day care center or church or auto mechanic, you're looking for someone who will provide trusted advice.

Unfortunately, consumers have been taught that contractors should prepare free estimates so they can compare “apples to apples.” Very little time is spent understanding the depth of scope for their project and the best personality for the job. In the end, many homeowners fail to hire the person they know is right.

The proof is in the resulting complaints I hear about contractors, most of whom shouldn’t have been hired in the first place. Don’t be swayed because the delta on the budget is large enough to question the value of the better contractor. There is no such thing as a free lunch. If the cheaper contractor skips things in the rough phase, you will see signs of it sooner than later.

I know a lot of great contractors in my area. Some of us do fancier work than others, but we work on similar margins. More importantly, we all have the following: integrity, solid knowledge of building science, and the business acumen to charge enough to cover costs such as insurance as well as to offer the kinds of wages and benefits that will attract reliable, like-minded employees.

If you want your remodeling to be done in a professional manner, please seek out a professional contractor. Just like good daycare centers, we come with references, a track record, a portfolio and a team. If you don’t care where you leave your children or who works on your teeth, we may not be a good fit.

One more gift: Please stop thinking that you are making improvements on your home to improve your investment.

Home ownership comes with the obligation of maintenance. If you need siding or a new roof, it will not result in much return on your investment. If you side or roof your home poorly, it will result in an ugly home that leaks. If you love your location and neighborhood, you'll likely recover your investment in quality remodeling because:

a) you really don't want to move

b) remodeling will be less disruptive to your family and

c) remodeling will be less costly than moving to another home -- which may need new siding or roofing anyway.

AK Complete Home Renovations was established in 1995. Led by Ed
Cholfin, AK is an Atlanta, family-owned, design/build remodeling company with a
vision to be a leader in the industry.
Today, as a full-service design/build firm, AK's innovative design
concepts, high standards and dedication to superior customer service
have placed it among an elite group of design/build companies.
AK has been recognized as an industry expert, having been featured in
Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine, Today’s Custom Home, Kitchen &
Bath Design News, Northside News, Atlanta INTown Paper, WC Magazine,
North Atlanta Living, HomeSavvi.com and TrendIdeas.com. Our design
professionals are sought after by major industry publications looking to
feature their work and wanting to get their input on market and design
trends!We understand the value of your investment and the importance of a major decision such as a home renovation.
With an outstanding team and a core group of trade professionals, we’ve
built a solid reputation in a competitive market, with the majority of
our clients resulting from referrals. We work as a single team with a
single goal - our client's complete satisfaction!We are talking about your biggest investment and the health, happiness and safety of your family in your home after all....we just won't compromise, and won't settle for anything less than perfect!